Despite friendlier comments on Sunday, DHS Secretary John Kelly has joined the chorus of anti-marijuana voices in the White House.
On Sunday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly broke with Attorney General Jeff Sessions and other White House officials on marijuana policy. He told Chuck Todd on “Meet The Press” that marijuana “was not a factor” in the War on Drugs. Today, he has apparently changed his tune.
“Its use and possession is against federal law and until the law is changed by the U.S. Congress we in DHS are sworn to uphold all the laws on the books,” he said according to The Hill.
“DHS personnel will continue to investigate marijuana’s illegal pathways along the network into the U.S., its distribution within the homeland, and will arrest those involved in the drug trade according to federal law. [Customs and Border Protection] will continue to search for marijuana at sea, air and land ports of entry and when found take similar appropriate action.
Kelly also wanted to stress that TSA would not look the other way if they find marijuana in passenger’s luggage.
“When marijuana is found at aviation checkpoints and baggage screening [Transportation Security Administration] personnel will also take appropriate action. Finally, [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] will continue to use marijuana possession, distribution and convictions as essential elements as they build their deportation/removal apprehension packages for targeted operations against illegal aliens. They have done this in the past, are doing it today, and will do it in the future.”
It is unclear as to exactly what the Trump administration’s policy on marijuana is. While high-profile Trump supporters such as Roger Stone are warning that voters did not elect him to go after state laws, Jeff Sessions and others in the administration never seem to forfeit an opportunity to criticize marijuana reform.
The lack of clarity is especially troubling for patients or businesses wondering how to proceed under the new White House.
